Unnecessary honking carries a $350 fine but is rarely enforced. The NYPD issued 206 summonses for that offense last year, the Times reported.

Weird News Photos: Man Shoves Snake in Pants

"The noise is always annoying, but that's life in New York and we love New York," said Upper West Side resident Wendy Schwartz.

The DOT says complaints about honking have declined 63 percent since 2008. But some local politicians say that doesn't mean the signs should be taken down.

City Councilwoman Gale Brewer wrote a letter to DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan arguing the signs should stay up.

"I can't tell you how many requests I get for 'no honking' signs," Brewer wrote. “The notion of taking down information when information is so hard to get in New York City is pretty bad.”

The signs were introduced during Mayor Ed Koch's administration. He told the Times he believed there's significantly less honking now than there was in the 1980s when he was leading the city, and he thinks the signs he introduced have something to do with it.

A spokesman for the transportation department, however, told the Times it's unclear whether the drop in "no honking" violations has to do with the signs or New Yorkers' acceptance of the fact that city drivers are often impatient and just like to beep.

"I don't think anybody pays attention and I don't think there is any enforcement," said Upper East Side resident Jonathan Hardy.